The European Union and UNICEF have jointly committed N$24 million in humanitarian aid to support Namibia’s response to the ongoing drought, which has been worsened by both El Niño and La Niña weather patterns.
The announcement was made at a handover ceremony held in Windhoek, where the EU confirmed a N$19 million contribution, equivalent to around €911,000, through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations Agency (ECHO).
UNICEF has added N$5 million (approximately €228,000) from its own resources.
“This generous contribution from the European Union is crucial. It will enable us to reach more children with immediate, life-saving nutritional support for those suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition, and ensure continued access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services in health care facilities across the country, especially in hard-to-reach areas,” said UNICEF Namibia Country Representative, Samuel Ocran.
The funding will allow the Namibian government, in collaboration with UNICEF, to step up the delivery of essential services in the regions most affected by the drought.
These include Katima Mulilo, Rundu, Andara, Nyangana, Nkurekuru, Nankundu, Okongo, Eenhana, Engela, Khorixas, Outjo, and Opuwo.
The relief efforts are expected to reach approximately 86,000 people.
EU Ambassador to Namibia, Ana Beatriz Martins, reaffirmed the EU’s continued support to the country, describing the assistance as part of a long-standing partnership.
“Over the past 35 years, the EU–Namibia partnership has developed into a partnership of equals, covering a wide range of areas. We work together on Namibia’s green industrialisation, the delivery of quality Early Childhood Education, good governance, and more. Namibia can also count on the EU in times of drought and hardship,” Martins said.
